Ode to outsiders...

When it comes to authentic stylish quality streetwear no one does it better than Italian-born English-based Sofia Prantera.

After moving to London from Rome to study fashion at Central St Martins in the mid-90s, Sofia embraced rave culture — where traditional fashion was slightly unfashionable. Her graduate collection referenced plain and minimal brands like Romeo Gili and Giorgio Armani, but after leaving CSM, Sofia founded the cult streetwear labels Holmes, and then Silas, where she met graphic designer Fergus Purcell.

Five years ago she and Purcell formed Aries Arise, born out of their desire for well-made streetwear for cool girls with an eye for detail. Creating clothes that are both affordable, achievable but perfect for those who belong to the many subcultures this country is so rich in.

As such they were the prefect choice for a collaboration with Vans and their new Vault drop is an ode to outsiders everywhere.

Leading the footwear collection is the OG Authentic LX, Vans’ first shoe in two vibrant colorways. The Weed Muted colorway features a multicolor marijuana leaf-inspired pattern on the uppers with pink, black and yellow striped laces, an Aries branded typographic foxing stripe, yellow color blocking on the vulcanized sole and art nouveau bordered text sidewall art.

The collection also features the OG Sk8-Mid LX in brighter versions of the Weed and Tiger colorways and the Era LX and OG Chukka LX in Tie Dye with Aries tiger stripe sidewall art.

Much as I admire the energy in this collection, it’s all too youthful for me.

I’m much happier in a new pretty pair of pink and orange ponkyskin vans.

Queen Marie

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